Waypoints, honey holes, lucky lures, favorite colors and vivid memories of big fish are all factors in our decision making process on the water. We are creatures of habit and tend to stick with something if it works. Einstein’s famous quote, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome,” suggests that it’s also insanity to change something that is working. Conditions on the water are changing continuously. Is it then insanity to keep doing the same thing under differing circumstances and expect the same outcome?
I began to ponder this concept after getting into a rut several years ago. I questioned myself more than I could ever remember. My confidence waned and my bag of tricks seemed to be depleted or ineffective. The intuitive move was to focus harder on the things that produced in the past and press through the slump. Even my wife commented on how I seemed uncharacteristically frustrated. At this point, fishing wasn’t fun. By focusing even harder on the techniques and tactics that had caused the slump’s progression, I simply made things worse.
My next approach was to double-down-on-technology. I began to paddle around intently focused on my sonar/GPS screen, hyper-analyze details, pour over fishing reports from previous years looking for tidbits and work out elaborate routes to maximize my efficiency out on the water. I assured myself that these hours spent studying and preparing for trips would surely pay dividends.
Subsequent trips resulted in only marginal success and more dissatisfaction based on my expected return on investment. My confidence was continuing to erode. Admittedly, thoughts like “Have you lost it?” or “Are you doing something wrong?” or “Maybe you just need to work harder!” and even “It just has to be where I’m fishing!” swirled in my head.
The mental aspect of fishing for bass cannot be overstated. Like most things, we need to struggle and experience failure in order to improve. It was difficult being less successful in a time when I was blessed with better gear and access to better fisheries than ever before.
Then, during a kayak fishing club seminar, I had a breakthrough based on a participant query. “Hey man, you really thank you need all that fancy stuff to catch bass? I wear ’em out with nothin’ but cheap stuff!”
I drove home with that question burning in my mind. I too had been very successful before all of the gadgets and technology.
The following morning I fished from a stripped down kayak after going to bed early instead of the customary preparations. Daylight breaking brought a renewed enthusiasm and cautious optimism. My only fishfinder was the jig I methodically used to dissect the fishery. Each hook set restored confidence; the sound of stripping drag caused a surge of adrenaline. I was beginning to expect a fish each cast. I fished the next year without electronics to challenge myself. I noticed the heron hunting, baitfish flicker and lily pads twitch again.
Since that experience, my pre-trip planning has gotten more complex, and I use sophisticated electronics again. The lasting change is how long I wait before venturing out of my comfort zone to overcome or avoid a slump altogether. Information can easily become a crutch if not used in conjunction with fundamental skills, situational awareness and attention to detail.
The kayak is a great tool for finding hard to reach bass when combined with a comprehensive game plan. Next week we explore combining previously discussed skills to improve situational awareness.
Editor’s Note: Chad Hoover is originally from Louisiana and is currently on active duty in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Norfolk, Va. He is the owner of www.KayakBassFishing.com and author of Kayak Bass Fishing ($24.95 on his site). He also serves as the kayak Pro Staff Director for Wilderness Systems kayaks, Torqeedo motors and Secret Weapon Lures.
